Dr. Kao believes economics is all about people. He has a heart for the common good. In an effort to understand how economic decisions shape the world we live in, he has researched the relationship between economics and national identity, education, religion and diversity.
Experienced economist
In addition to his doctoral work at Rutgers University, Dr. Kao earned master’s degrees in economics from both Rutgers and National Chengchi University in Taiwan. His research in empirical microeconomics and behavioral economics has been presented at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, the American Economics Association, and Academia Sinica in Taipei, Taiwan.
Award-winning educator
While lecturing in the economics department at Rutgers, Dr. Kao won the Sidney I. Simon Prize for Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching. His strong scholarship has made him eligible for two scholarship grants from Northwestern, as well as a Teaching Assistant/Graduate Assistant Professional Development Fund award from Rutgers and a study abroad scholarship from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education.
Art of economics
Dr. Kao’s wife, Duha Lee, is an accomplished artist who recently illustrated a children’s book, Sleepy Baby Samurai and the Magic Painting. He appreciates the human aspect of her work and says that her art inspires him to teach and research with people in mind. Dr. Kao also speculates about a future book collaboration that would teach children simple principles of economics.
